Choirboy welcomes sentence, says Pell's appeal still hangs over him

The man who as a young choirboy was sexually abused by George Pell in Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral says he finds it hard to take any comfort from the cardinal's six-year jail sentence.

As the former archbishop was driven away from court in handcuffs, the victim, referred to in Chief Judge Peter Kidd's sentencing remarks as "J", said Pell's appeal against his conviction, due to be heard in June, is hanging over his head.

Exclusive photo. Handcuffed in the back of a prison van, Cardinal George Pell leaves the County Court after being jailed for six years on child sexual abuse charges.Credit:Jason South

"Everything is overshadowed by the forthcoming appeal," J said on Wednesday.

And the father of Pell's other victim, who died in 2014 and was dubbed "R" in Judge Kidd's remarks, said the sentence – six years with a non-parole period of three years and eight months – was "inadequate".

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Speaking outside the County Court on Wednesday, Shine Lawyers' Lisa Flynn said R's father was "disappointed with the short sentencing and has expressed sadness over what he believes is an inadequate [punishment]".

"He watched his son's life disintegrate after the abuse," Ms Flynn said.

"He does feel that in this case at least there was a conviction, there is a jail sentence. But he would have preferred it to have been a longer sentence given what his son and his family have been through.

"Today has been a historic moment, as we've witnessed one of the world's most senior Catholic leaders convicted and now sent to jail for child sex abuse offences.

"George Pell is a paedophile. He has been convicted and now sentenced to jail for these crimes, which does provide some sense of justice for his victims and their families.

"Today has to be the start of the end of abuse within the Catholic Church. This sentence may empower and hopefully will empower more survivors and victims to come forward."

Vivian Waller, the lawyer representing one of Pell’s victims, speaks to the media outside court.Credit:Jason South

In a statement read out by his solicitor Vivian Waller, J said: "It is hard for me to allow myself to feel the gravity of this moment.

"It is hard for me, for the time being, to take comfort in this outcome.

"I appreciate that the court has acknowledged what was inflicted upon me as a child. However, there is no rest for me. Everything is overshadowed by the forthcoming appeal.

"I am aware of a lot of public comment by people who are critical of my evidence. But only the judge, the jury, Pell and the legal teams have heard my evidence.

George Pell leaves the County Court after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys.Credit:Christopher Hopkins

"Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, a few facts will always remain. I gave evidence for several days. I was cross-examined by Pell's defence counsel.